Khushboo-History of Indian Classical Music

Indian classical music is one of the oldest forms of music in the world. It has its roots in diverse areas such as the ancient religious vedic hymns, tribal chants, devotional temple music, and folk music. Indian music is melodic in nature, as opposed to Western music which is harmonic. The most important point to note is that movements in Indian classical music are on a one-note-at-a-time basis. This progression of sound patterns along time is the most significant contributor to the tune and rhythm of the presentation, and hence to the melody. Although Indian music is now divided into the two major classes of Hindusthani (Northern Indian) and Karnatak or Carnatic (Southern Indian), the origins and fundamental concepts of both thes types of music are the same. The form of presentation may however vary between the two systems, as well as from one gharana (family) to another in the former system.

Indian classical music is one of the oldest forms of music in the world. It has its roots in diverse areas such as the ancient religious vedic hymns, tribal chants, devotional temple music, and folk music. Indian music is melodic in nature, as opposed to Western music which is harmonic. The most important point to note is that movements in Indian classical music are on a one-note-at-a-time basis. This progression of sound patterns along time is the most significant contributor to the tune and rhythm of the presentation, and hence to the melody. Although Indian music is now divided into the two major classes of Hindusthani (Northern Indian) and Karnatak or Carnatic (Southern Indian), the origins and fundamental concepts of both thes types of music are the same. The form of presentation may however vary between the two systems, as well as from one gharana (family) to another in the former system.